Grahm1eta

Assuming you are on prep, what sort of health practices do you follow when engaging providers? For example, do you query testing information? Sorry if this sounds like a naive kind of question, just trying to get a gauge of what reasonable safety looks like..

Whether or not danger lurks outside, the sauna is an oasis.
Depending on what you like, sexually and otherwise, sooner or later you will feel a pull to explore outside the sauna (e.g., for me, the half hour time offered for the sauna cabins, that's not even time for foreplay let alone sex....) But take it kind of slow.
Someone in these threads (a Brit) said something to the effect of the question isn't can it happen in your home city (surely, yes) but how often it does... So, it's probably more dangerous for you than in your home city, compounded by the fact that you are in an unfamiliar place and probably with an unfamiliar language. Don't try to do everything on your first trip, it'll be there next month or next year.
Boa viagem😎

I agree with @Latbear4blk I have been robbed in California in Oakland, San Jose, and San Francisco. I almost had my sister’s car jacked from me. That's a fun story, but so far not in Brazil. That being said, it’s about awareness in one’s surroundings. You go somewhere, look for where exits and entrances are. Pay attention to who is around you. Bring what you need. I am not going to walk around Lapa with my gold chain on or any other jewelry. But I might wear an old Apple Watch so if it gets stolen, I won’t care. Plus, I have met some really fun sauna boys that I have hung out with outside of the sauna in places within Rio that only locals know. I have gone to clubs. Yuri Gaspar took me to several clubs one night. We had loads of fun. Same with other guys. But it’s about situational awareness. Now hopefully when I go back this May 22 through June 25 I won't experience anything crazy except for sex. LMAO

Of course there are unsafe areas, as there are some in all US big cities. I said the concerns are overblown, not that they do not exist.
I envy you. I would have loved to be in RJ before the AIDS crisis! 

When I was last in Rio, at the beginning of Covid, I stayed at the Copacabana Palace. I asked the concierge if it was safe to go for a walk. He said no! I pointed out that i did not have an expensive watch, and wore a t-shirt and jeans. He said, ok, but turn right, not left! I did turn right, and no issues, beach bars, music dancing, etc. All very friendly.  When I was in Rio years before, I always thought that turning left, and left again, into the back streets was a little risky, but there were some gay bars there then, where you could pick up some very attractive  boys! There was also the Sauna Leblon, which in those pre HIV days, was a hive of gay BB sex! Does anyone remember that place?

I never had any issue walking at night in Copacabana, escorted or alone. As usual in here and in Company of Men, the concerns about safety are overblown and a symptom of lack of cultural diversity literacy. 
Are there security concerns? Of course, as there are in any big city in the Western world. I have been robbed in Buenos Aires, Paris, New York, and Washington DC. After 8 years traveling to Brazil often and having long and short stays there, I never suffered a security threat. 
Just be aware of your surroundings and empathetic to the local culture and you will be fine.

Last time I stayed at Vila Gale Paulista hotel, 4 short blocks from Lagoa. No prblms walking there or back at night.
I also had no concerns IN the sauna... 

Inside the sauna, it is perfectly safe.
Make sure to take a Uber/Taxi to go there at night.
Going out with the boys, wandering the streets at night are not so safe in Brazil 

I have not published an English version, but I think you may benefit from this article if you can read Spanish or use a translator:
https://sopla.substack.com/p/los-saunas-gay-brasilenos
 

Hey @Grahm1eta. When you get there, it will be overwhelming. So make sure not to think with your little head. No matter what sauna you go into, there will be guys waiting for potential clients. They will smile and try to engage you in conversation. Most times, the guys are bold, and they will grab your hand and place it on their cock. Which if you are looking at a sexy stud, can catch you off guard. In my case, it made me forget what I was talking about to the person I went with. LMAO. Get settled and get a drink. While you are waiting, guys will try to get your attention. During this time, I look and see how many guys, if any, I want to go with and for what. During this time, since many of the gartos will try to get you to pick them. They will lift up their towels, show off what they offer. If you do not desire to spend time with them. BE POLITE this cannot be stressed enough. Because they are people that offer themselves as a service. But it garners respect from them, which can pay off in the end. Trust me, reading @Latbear4blk   , @Novarunner, @NoGagSuckerSF, @floridarob has shown. You might get more with a nice smile, not right now, and maybe later. However, if the guy has not approached you that you like, then go up to them. Discuss the price and what you want during your time with them. Some have suggested that you write on the phone screen shot it and save it so if there is any disagreement, it does not happen. You can point to it and prove what was agreed to. Which have saved us guys from paying for bad service. But in most cases, the guys working in the sauna want to give you the service you want. So you will come back and pick them. Or off them, aka take them out that night or during the day in some cases. Also, phones can be used to translate in the saunas. But not to take pictures of everyone in the sauna in general seating areas. But the best thing for me to tell you is to relax and take your time. Get there early enough to pick the best guys. Because some come early to get one or two programs, and they may bounce. Also read the guys that I referenced. They have a great deal of knowledge; they aren’t the only ones. But they have explored many countries and have great experience. It’s been helpful to me. For my previous two trips, and it still helps me as I get a third time this coming May.